Networking

Networking

The number of online devices we have in our home is constantly increasing, so it’s important to get the most out of your internet connection so you can enjoy your technology at its best.

From smartphones and tablets to TVs and games consoles, you might be surprised at just how many things in your home connect to the internet.

If you know what you need, you can browse by type or search for brands, models and categories. For more information, read the things to consider when buying, or check out our buying guide for troubleshooting advice and more in-depth detail.

The router is the main hub for your internet connection. It plugs into your phone line or modem and transmits a WiFi connection throughout your home. Higher rated routers support more devices at once and are better suited to streaming and gaming - perfect for well connected homes.

Powerline kits extend your network to the furthest reaches of your home by turning any plug socket into a wired or wireless internet access point. Simply connect one to your router and plug in another near your desired device to create a stable connection without wires trailing throughout your home.

Range extenders are the middleman in a game of catch between your router and device. They take your signal and extend it further than a router can alone, and can help solve weak WiFi in a bedroom or even send a stable connection into your garden for summer surfing.

Network switches connect a single device or network to the internet using an Ethernet cable. They are more suited to business or enthusiast use, as while they’re often cheaper, they don’t feature the same protection or user-friendliness as a wireless router.

Simply put, wireless cards and adapters let the device they’re plugged into connect to the internet via WiFi. If you game, stream or download a lot on your PC, a higher rated wireless card or adapter can improve stability and make the most of the speed you receive from your router.

Smart home puts control of your home’s heating, lighting and security at your fingertips. These products all connect to your home WiFi network and allow you to control everything around your home using a smartphone, tablet or PC.

Things to consider

I want faster internet in my home

If you want to improve the speed of your internet connection, the first thing to know is that the only way to change the actual speed you receive through the phone line is to contact your service provider. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of it.

If your router’s old or you’re using the one supplied by your service provider, chances are it isn’t up to the demands of HD streaming, gaming and a connected home. Replacing it with a higher spec router, like one with an AC rating, allows you to securely connect more devices and ensures you actually get the speed that comes into your home.

If you’re struggling to stay online when browsing the web in bed or want to connect a Smart TV far away from your router, a range extender or powerline kit can help. While they both take your internet signal and send it further into your home, they do it in different ways.

A range extender is ideal for maintaining a wireless signal to tablets, smartphones and laptops. They provide a stable signal, but aren’t really quick enough for downloading/gaming. Powerline kits are perfect for Smart TVs and games consoles, as many let you connect via an Ethernet cable for an uninterrupted connection to the web. Some also feature integrated WiFi for wireless connectivity.

I have an old computer and want to make the most of my new router

If you have a dual band or AC rated router, the wireless card in an older laptop or desktop probably won’t be making the most it. For laptops, a wireless adapter simply plugs into any spare USB port and can improve the stability, range and speed you receive.

While you can use a USB adapter in your desktop, most desktops have space inside for an internal wireless card. They plug into any free PCI-Express (PCIe) port for unobtrusive, fast connectivity. Wireless cards and adapters are rated just like routers, so look for one with the same rating as yours to make the most of your connection.

I want to control the technology in my home using my smartphone, tablet and PC

Your internet connection isn’t just for browsing, surfing, streaming and shopping. Our smart home range features plenty of ways to control the things around your house using a smartphone or tablet, including heating, lighting and security.

You can adjust your heating on the train, change the mood in seconds with a WiFi light bulb or see exactly what’s going on around your property from anywhere in the world. The possibilities are endless, so why not see how a truly connected home can change the way your live forever.

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